1300MEDICS provides medical services to major music festivals in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane. As music festivals across Australia grow in scale and complexity, so do the responsibilities of medical teams. One recurring question is whether medical staff should inspect patrons’ personal medicines at entry points. The answer, supported by best practice guidance from Safer Care Victoria and NSW Health, is a clear no.
Medical staff should be seen as a figure of trust, not authority. If a Paramedic is viewed by patrons inspecting personal medicines at the entry point, they will be viewed as an authority figure. If medical staff are viewed as an authority figure, it will be harder for medical staff to build rapport and trust with patrons at a later time when we may require patients to be honest with us to guide their treatment.
Generally speaking, the risk of patrons bringing in prescription (and over the counter medicine) to an event is a lesser risk than separating a person from their medicines. The prescription of medicines to a person is a complex health care processes normally overseen by a number of health care practitioners including doctors and pharmacists, taking into consideration the individuals specific needs and medical history. It is not a safe processes for a single health care worker to make a rapid decision to separate a person from their medicines. This position is supported by both Safer Care Victoria and NSW Health.
What about people who might be bringing in large quantities for trafficking purposes? If someone is bringing in a large quantity of medicines that might be appears to be for drug dealing/trafficking purposes, this should be suspicious to a security guard, escalated to a security supervisor and referred to the police. The enforcement of the drugs and poisons legislation in each state is a police matter.
What about patrons who need special storage conditions for their medicine (e.g. a fridge for insulin)? In the planning stages for your event, work with your medical or harm minimisation provider to ensure they are prepared for these situations. They should have suitable refrigeration available. The offer of storage for these medicines should be on a voluntary/optional basis, and up to the individual to determine if they need to access this service.
Safer Care Victoria Medicines at Public Events
NSW Health Guidelines for music festival event organisers: music festival harm reduction
For further information about medical services for music festivals, please Contact Us to discuss your specific requirements.
